The BRICS TimesUnder this special economic package, India will assist Mauritius in executing at least 10 projects, including strengthening ports, airports, and roads, as well as establishing new schools and hospitals. PM Modi stated, “This package is not aid; it is an investment in our shared future.”
India announced a special economic package worth over $655 million (₹57,87,93,04,250) for Mauritius on Thursday. Alongside, both nations signed seven major agreements to expand cooperation in multiple key sectors. Highlighting the strong ties between the two nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to them as not just partners, but as a family.
Following discussions with his Mauritian counterpart, Dr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, PM Modi emphasized that a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean remains a shared priority. India is fully committed to strengthening the security of Mauritius’ special economic zones. He also added that after the successful introduction of UPI and RuPay cards in Mauritius, both countries will work toward facilitating bilateral trade in local currencies.
India to Support 10 Key Projects
The economic package will support Mauritius in implementing at least 10 major projects. These projects include strengthening critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, and roads, along with establishing new schools and hospitals. After the announcement, PM Modi stated, “This package is not aid; it is an investment in our shared future.”
The seven signed agreements cover collaboration in sectors such as education, electricity, hydrography, and space research. Among these, the most significant agreement focuses on hydrography, enabling joint surveys, navigation chart development, and shared hydrographic data for Mauritius’ special economic zones.
In addition, the agreements include establishing telemetry, tracking, and telecommunication stations for satellites and launch vehicles, as well as fostering cooperation in space research, science, and its practical applications.
PM Jugnauth’s Eight-Day India Visit
PM Modi remarked, “India and Mauritius are two different nations, yet our dreams and destiny are one.” In his media address, Modi congratulated Jugnauth and the people of Mauritius on the completion of the Chagos agreement, calling it a “historic victory” for the island nation’s sovereignty.
Earlier this May, the United Kingdom decided to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the tropical coral Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. This agreement ended over 50 years of British control.
PM Jugnauth is currently on an eight-day visit to India. He is presently in Varanasi, where he met PM Modi. This meeting marks the first time a head of state has been officially received in Varanasi.
